Shingle Roofing Macon, Hail Damage and Roof Inspection in Macon & Warner Robins GA - Schwartz Residential Roofing

Storm Damage

Storm Damage Dangers - What You Need to Know

When your home or roof is damaged due to severe weather and hailstorms, it is important to have all of the information about the company you select to complete the necessary repairs. Recent news reports of “storm chasers” in our area have raised much concern about possible fraudulent activates and Schwartz Residential Roofing wants to help inform you about making decisions in your best interest. 

We want you to be aware of potential problems and issues that may arise when using “storm chasers” to do work on your home.  Below is a list we’ve complied with the help of our friends at Beware Storm Chasers to help you know what to look out for when it comes to storm chasers:

• What are storm chasers?
• Problems with storm chasers
• How to spot potential chasers:
• The correct steps for repairs following storm damage
• Key points regarding the insurance claim process

Storm Chasers

Storm Chasers are companies that follow severe weather from area to area. In the last couple of years Georgia has been hit with record hailstorms. The Atlanta area has been a mecca for storm chasers recently. Storm Chasers use insurance money to replace roofs and siding, then go to the next area where insurance money is available. Recent storms in Bonaire and Kathleen, Georgia have caused local homeowners to be on the lookout for potential storm chasers.   They typically go door to door in the hailstorm damaged areas claiming to be insurance recovery experts or specialist in insurance restoration. There was a big news story about an Atlanta roofing company that had taken the homeowner’s insurance money and then never did the work. The roofing company is now bankrupt and many homeowners are left with a hail damaged roof and no insurance money.

What is the problem with Storm Chasers?

The first step of a storm chaser is to get the homeowner to sign a contract to represent them to the insurance company. What many homeowners don’t understand is they may also be waiving their rights to any decision-making regarding the repairs or replacement needed. Homeowners may also lose control over the insurance settlement and have all payments go directly to the storm chaser, regardless of the quality or quantity of the work completed. By signing a vague contract, the homeowner may lose control over the process and materials used to complete the replacement. The biggest problem is what happens in a year or two when a problem arises with the installation. Many times the storm chaser is in another state, busy working a new storm. Some even stay in business only for the length of time the work from the storm is around, and then they go back to their profession they were in before the storm.

How to spot a Storm Chaser:

• Come door to door and try to get you to sign something immediately
• Use high pressure sales tactics
• Offer you a “free” roof
• Unable to produce local references
• Unable to give a reference of a local supplier
• No business license
• Have only a cell phone and no local land line.

Proper Steps for Repairs Following Storm Damage

1. If the homeowner thinks they have damage, they should first call their insurance company or agent and ask to file a claim.
2. The insurance company sends an adjuster to access the damage.
3.  If the adjuster (and only an adjuster) determines damage has occurred, he will issue a report listing the damage and the expected cost of recovery.
4. The adjuster will then cut a check for the damage minus the depreciation of the home.
5. The homeowner can choose 2 different ways to hire a contractor. He may bid the work to one or more contractors and accept a bid. If that bid is less than the insurance company estimate, the insurance company will pay only that amount, less deductible. If the bid is more than the insurance estimate, the homeowner can submit the higher bid to the insurance company and attempt to work out the difference. The homeowner can also opt to hire a trusted contractor of their choice. The contractor can then work out their rates with the insurance company.
6. Under NO circumstances can a homeowner avoid paying their deductible. Any contractor that suggests otherwise to a homeowner is committing insurance fraud.
7. After the project has been completed, the contractor or homeowner sends an invoice and certificate of completion to the insurance company. Insurance then cuts a check to the homeowner for the depreciated portion of the loss (providing the homeowner has replacement cost insurance, which most do.) In some instances, a mortgage company and/or contractor may be listed on the check as co-payees.

Key Points Regarding the Insurance Claim Process

• The homeowner does not need a contractor to submit damage information to the insurance company. It is not necessary to hire a company “specializing” in getting insurance claims settled.
• Never let a contractor you do not know and trust climb on your roof to “inspect for hail damage.” To make it appear as if caused by hail, some storm chasers intentionally damage the roof when they think no one is looking.
• You can choose to work with any contractor you like.

 
If you have questions, or would like more information about storm and hail damage, Contact Us today.